Oregon volleyball capped a perfect weekend home stand by getting past a very good Illinois team in four sets, 31-29, 15-25, 25-20, 25-22.
In the first set, the Ducks took the lead early on, but the Illini fought back to tie it up. Oregon was looking to take the set after a 4-0 run that made the score 24-21, but Illinois fought off four set points to tie the score.
Illinois fought off four more set points before Oregon put together two in a row to take the first set.
The Ducks completely fell off in the second set, and were having problems with their receive game that was most apparent in the second set. Head coach Trent Kersten said after the match that they were outplayed in the first two sets, but “kinda stole it at the end (of set 1)”, and just looked to establish a rhythm at the end of set 2 to carry into the final two sets.
Oregon made adjustments and played much better in the third set, taking the lead early on and never letting go.
After playing a lackluster set of their own, the Fighting Illini refused to lie down and played a feisty set 4.
Oregon took command at the end of the set, and while Illinois tried to catch up they were not able to overtake the Ducks.
Here are some quick highlights of the match. (I will say that with these highlights and the extended Big Ten highlights, they were both heavily tilted toward Oregon. Illinois did not exactly make this match easy for the Ducks, but you would never know it based on the highlights. I found the highlight bias quite disappointing.)
Illinois had three players with double digit kills, led by Alyssa Aguayo with 12. The Illini had the edge in blocks, 11-9.
Here is the Oregon postgame presser:
Oregon hit .242 in the match, to .214 for the Illini. Alanah Clemente led all scorers with 16 kills, and Sjakkie Donkers was great again, with a double-double of 14 kills and 12 digs. Valentina Vaulet did not start, but it was good to see her back in action, and she hit 14 kills on the day.
Iva Šucurovic was outstanding at the net with 7 blocks while adding 8 kills. Marina Crownover finished with a double-double of 51 assists and 14 digs. Reese Sheppard led the Oregon defensive effort with 27 digs.
Having successfully defended Matthew Knight Arena, Oregon volleyball (12-2, 3-1 Big-10) next travels to Michigan for road games this coming weekend against Michigan and Michigan State.
